Soft container

ABSTRACT

A flexible container assembly that combines insulation, ease-of-carrying, and user-friendly drinking and is packaged to offer a wide range of style choices. The container assembly includes protection of mouth-contacting surfaces, easy cleaning, and spill protection among the other advantages. The invention comprises of a flexible container featuring a neck that seals upon folding itself into a downward position and works with a sealable mouthpiece at its top end to prevent the outflow of fluids. The container of the assembly uses a wide-mouth screw-port base to enable easier filling and cleaning. The assembly utilizes an integrated insulating flexible cover which features securable openings to access the bottle ports, as well as carrying handles, finger loops, attachment hooks, and pockets.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. U.S.62/606,610 filed on Oct. 2, 2017, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to fluid containers for everyday use, travel,and sports hydration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drink containers are used in all sorts of situations as a convenientmeans of hydration. Hikers and travelers carry drink containers foron-the-go hydration. Runners and cyclists utilize drink containers toreplenish fluid loss. Office workers and students use drink containersat their desks and in class. Personal drink containers typicallycomprise a container and a screw-top cap, which may feature a mouthpieceor smaller port for accessing the container's contents.

Types of containers include rigid metal or plastic containers andflexible versions made of plastic or silicone that can collapse for easystorage when not in use. Insulated containers are a popular option aswell, and can employ vacuum insulation, layers of insulating materialwithin the container walls, or covers, which provide thermal protection.Stainless steel double-walled vacuum containers are a popular choice forkeeping fluids cool.

Various fluid access designs exist including sipper ports, bite valves,push/pull valves, check valves, and simple pour spouts. Sipper portstypically connect to a straw and fluid is drawn up through mouthpiecevia suction. Sipper ports are simple and offer reasonable flow, but areprone to spillage, unless they are manually closed off. Bite valves aresimilar to sipper ports in that they must go in the drinker's mouth,require suction and use a straw connection. Bite valves however, aredesigned not to leak unless activated and as a result minimize spillage.

To prevent leakage and contamination of container contents, manycontainer cap ports feature valves that open or close off the fluidconduit from the container to the port. Types of valves includestopcocks, push/pull stoppers, pinched tubes, check valves, andmouth-actuated valves.

Additional protection from contamination and in some cases leakage maycome in the form of a cover or cap that goes over the container cap portto shield it from the environment. For simple open ports, a push on capor screw cap is used to both enclose the spout and seal off fluidaccess. Mouthpiece type ports may be covered with a removable cap orthey may be designed to articulate into a covered recess within thecontainer cap. Port covers are often tethered to the cap so that theyare not mislaid. Another approach is to employ a pivoting cover over thecontainer's drink port. The cover protects, and in some designs, sealsthe mouthpiece.

Wide mouth screw ports and caps offer convenient filling and cleaningand reliable sealing. These are often combined with a mouthpieceintegrated into the cap so that the user can access fluid contentswithout unscrewing the cap.

Drink container designs seek to meet the goals of leak protection andsanitation while at the same time offering a vessel that is easy todrink from, fill, and clean. Designers have addressed drinkability witheasy-to-access mouthpieces. In some designs, the mouthpiece can bearticulated out from the container cap to orient the mouthpiece at aconvenient drinking angle. Other designs include mouthpieces that flipout from covered recesses.

Drink containers are available in a variety of colors, materials, andstyles offering a range of consumer choice. Buyers can furtherpersonalize their containers with stickers, engraving, container covers,or carrying handles.

There is a wide variety of drink container designs at every level ofprice and complexity directed at providing convenient drinking, thermalprotection, preventing spills, minimizing contamination, and otherconsiderations. Missing from the range of options is a drink containerthat combines thermal protection with collapsibility and convenientfluid access.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to various embodiments of the present invention, a containerincludes a hollow, flexible body. The body includes a flexible neck atan upper portion of the body that is configured to fold toward the body.The neck has a first opening at a distal end and a retainer means forholding the neck in a folded position.

In some embodiments, the container comprises a hollow, flexible bodywith a base; and a flexible neck at an upper portion of the body that isconfigured to fold in a downward position toward the body. The neckpreferably has a first opening at a distal end of the neck, and a formof a retainer for holding the neck in the folded position. Preferably,the neck has a narrower cross-section than a cross-section of the body.The neck may be curved or straight.

In some embodiments, the container has a second opening at a lower endof the body, and a base that is removably receivable with the lower endof the body. Though in other embodiments it may be preferable tointegrally form the base with the lower end of the body.

Preferably, the neck is configured require less torque to bend than whatis required to bend other portions of the body. The folding of the neckmay be facilitated through use of a groove in the neck, wherein thegroove is configured to reduce the torque required to position the necktoward the body.

In some embodiments, the container will implement a mouthpiece mountableto the first opening of the neck, and this mouthpiece may furthercomprise a bite valve.

In some embodiments, the container may also utilize a cover. The coverwill have a cover body to receive the body of the container, wherein anupper portion of the cover body is configured receive the neck throughan opening in the cover.

Preferably the cover may be configured to help retain the neck of thecontainer in a folded position. The cover may be configured to cover atleast a portion of the bottom surface of the container, wherein thebottom portion of the cover body is removably receivable from the coverbody. The distal end of the cover neck may optionally extend beyond theopening of the bottle and may assist in covering the end of the neck.The invention achieves these and other objects and advantages which willbecome apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention aredescribed in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1A is a side view of an example of the container according to atleast one embodiment of the present invention showing a folding grooveon the container neck in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a version of the container thatincludes an optional bite valve stem in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the container in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are side, front, and rear views of the containerassembly comprising a container housed within a cover that features amagnetic closure system, a handle, and a base strap in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4D is a side view of the container assembly with the container neckin the downward closed position, a magnetic closure means, a base strap,and a handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4E is a side view of the container assembly with the mouthpieceflap secured to the back of the container cover so that it fully exposesthe opening of the neck in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the container assembly with the container neckin the upright open position and front tab to anchor the mouthpiece andmouthpiece cover in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views of the container assembly with analternate means of securing the mouthpiece flap, in this case, a loop inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6C is an exploded side view of the container being removed from thecontainer assembly cover by releasing a detachable base strap inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a container cover with integrated zipper pocket.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the container assembly with a containerassembly cover showing an attachment means, in this case, a snap hook inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a side view of the container assembly showing a containercover with a base strap that acts as a container cap tether inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a close-up side view of the container assembly of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9C is an underside view of the container cap tether of thecontainer assembly of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a side-elevational view of the container assembly showing analternative container cover and container mating design in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a partially exploded view of the container assembly of FIG.10A;

FIG. 10C is a side view of the container assembly of FIG. 10A showingthe attachable mouthpiece closure in the upright, open position;

FIG. 10D is a side view of the container assembly of FIG. 10A showingthe attachable mouthpiece closure removed from the container;

FIG. 10E is an isometric view of FIG. 10A showing an alternate means ofsecuring the cover to the container.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the container showing a substantially straightneck.

FIG. 12, is a side view of the container with an internal straw.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the container utilizing a duck-billed checkvalve in the mouthpiece portion of the neck.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the container with a neck having side wallsthicker above and below a folding portion of the neck.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the container with a neck utilizing first andsecond internal ribs above and below a folding portion of the neck.

FIG. 16A is a front view of the container utilizing a neck shown in FIG.16B having an internal oval or cat-eye shape.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are side views of the cover for a container assemblyhaving an integrated wire biasing element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a container 2 according to the embodimentsdisclosed herein has a body 4, lower end 6, base 8, and neck 12. Theneck 12 has a first opening 14 designed for the outflow of material,preferably liquid. The container may be made of silicone rubber, rubber,thermoplastic elastomer, plastic film, or other flexible material. Thewall of the neck 12 is constructed such that by folding it in on itself,fluid is prevented from reaching the first opening 14. As shown in thispreferred embodiment, a groove 16 in the neck 12 may be employed toassist in pointing the first opening 14 of the neck 12 in a downwardposition. The neck 12 of the container 2 may also, or in lieu of, thegroove 16 be constructed with material that requires less torque to bendthan the torque required to bend the material from which the body 4 isconstructed.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the container 2 further includes anoptional mouthpiece 32. The mouthpiece 32 may further comprise a bitevalve mechanism that is configured to limit fluid flow. In which case,fluid will not exit the mouthpiece's outlet unless the bite valve isactivated. Various bite valve designs may be utilized. The presentinvention employs a sealing flange within the mouthpiece outlet thatallows fluid flow when the mouthpiece is squeezed adjacent to theflange. In other embodiments, as an alternate to a bite valve, fluidflow through the mouthpiece can be controlled by a plug, pull spout,screw cap, or other valving device. Preferably, the container 2 in FIGS.1A and 1B features a body 4 capable of holding 300-1000 ml of fluid ormore that terminates near the lower end 6 of the body 4 at a base 8. Ina preferred arrangement, the base 8 may be permanently fixed into thelower end 6 of the body 4. Such permanent fixation may be accomplishedwith any number of appropriate adhesives or other fixation means.Preferably, the base 8 is configured to have a substantially flat bottom10 to provide a stable means for standing the container upright.

Preferably, the neck 12 at or about a first cross section 28 is narrowerthan the body 4 at or about a second cross section 30. This arrangementin FIGS. 2A and 2B facilitates the fluid flow through the opening 14.

Referring to FIG. 3, according to the embodiment shown herein, the base8 may be removably receivable from the lower end 6 of the body 4,exposing a second opening 18. In one preferred embodiment, the base 8further comprises a screw port assembly 20. The screw port assembly 20includes a screw port 22 and collar 24 that are configured to capturethe lower end 6 and seal it to the screw port assembly 20. The screwport assembly 20 also includes a screw cap 26 that can be removed fordrinking, fill-up, or cleaning. In this arrangement, the screw cap's topsurface serves as the bottom 10 of the base 8 and is preferably flat toprovide a stable means for standing the container upright.Alternatively, the container's base may comprise a flip cap, zipperclosure, stopper type closure, or simply a solid base with no port.

Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4E, a container assembly 34 according to theembodiments disclosed herein is shown. The container assembly 34comprises a cover 36 for use with a container 2. The container assembly34 as shown provides for a flexible container 2 housed within a flexiblecover 36 (best shown in FIG. 4D) that can collapse or expand with thecontainer 2. The container cover 36 features an upper portion 38 with anopening 40 that offers access to the first opening at the neck 14 and abottom portion 39 that may optionally allow port access. Variousmaterials may be used for the cover 36 including nylon, polyester, wool,polypropylene, neoprene, vinyl, cotton, and others. The cover caninclude one or more insulating layers. An insulating layer may consistof foam rubber, neoprene, wool, aerogel, PU, PE, EVA foam or other knowninsulators. The upper portion 38 of the cover 36 can also extend toshield the first opening 16 of the neck 12 and in some cases, assist insealing a mouthpiece.

In a preferred embodiment, the container cover includes an opening 40that is near the same level as the container's neck 12. The upperportion 38 of the cover may optionally include a mouthpiece flap 42 witha distal end 44 that extends beyond the first opening 16 of the neck 12.The mouthpiece flap 42 may be integrally formed with the upper portion38 of the cover, or may be separable. The mouthpiece flap 42 is designedso that it can be folded down to cover and protect the first opening 14of the neck 12 or a mouthpiece. The flap 42 may also be hinged up toexpose the first opening 14 or a mouthpiece for drinking. The flap 42may include an internal biasing element such as a wire or plastic springthat naturally rotates the flap to an upright drink-ready positionwhenever the flap is released. In its downward position, the mouthpieceflap 42 acts to fold the container neck 12 and assist in sealing off theflow of material. Preferably, a securing mechanism is employed tomaintain the mouthpiece flap in its closed position.

Instead of a mouthpiece flap, other types of mouthpiece covers may beemployed. Examples include a tethered cap with securing means, a captethered to the container cover with elastic such that the cap istensioned onto the container top, zipper arrangements that allowmouthpiece deployment, a drawstring closure that can be folded over oraccordioned to expose the mouthpiece, or a clamshell opening that can beparted for mouthpiece access among others.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover 36 includes two or more ferrous ormagnetic elements. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4E, a first magnet 46, secondmagnet 48, and third magnet 50 are integrated with the cover 36 toassist in maintaining the neck of the container in open and closedpositions. When the flap 42 is folded downward onto the cover 36, themagnetic attraction between the first magnet 46 and the second magnet 48is strong enough to help maintain the flap 42 and neck 12 in a foldedposition. The flap 42 can be unfolded and the neck brought to adrink-ready position by manually lifting the flap 42 away from thecontainer 2 and breaking the magnetic connection. In the drink readyposition, the flap 42 can be directed back and away from the neck 12 foreasy access. Additionally, the cover 36 and flap 42 can include a secondmagnetic connection feature for keeping the flap 42 away from the neck12 when it is in the drink-ready position. In this case, a third magnet50 located opposite from the second magnet 48 on the cover 36 near wherethe fold takes place can act to secure the flap 42 in its retractedposition. Various magnet combinations may be used. These include magnetsin all three locations as described above with their polarities arrangedto provide for flap deployment and retraction. Alternatively, magnets onthe front and back of the cover 36 that may engage a ferrous element inthe flap 42; magnets in the flap 42 and one side of the cover 36 and aferrous element on the opposite side of the cover 36; or dual magnets inthe flap 42 and ferrous elements or magnets on both sides of the cover36.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, afirst closure element 52 is utilized with the flap 42 and interfaceswith a separate tab 53 maintaining a second closure element 54 extendingfrom the front of the cover 36. The tab 53 is positioned such that whenthe mouthpiece flap 42 is folded down, the tab 53 will attach to thefirst closure element 52 at a second closure element 54, therebysecuring the mouthpiece flap 42 in a folded position. The first matingclosure element 52 may attach to a third mating element 56 at or near aside opposite the first mating element 54.

A variety of magnetic closures, snaps, and latches exist that lendthemselves to this application. For example, hidden magnets embeddedwithin the cover 36 are one option. Many magnetic contacts includeadditional mechanical features designed to minimize or preventinadvertent disconnection of the magnetic elements and these types canbe used on the mouthpiece flap closure system to create more securecontainer sealing. For example, snaps, hook-and-loop systems, buttons,and other attachment means may be implemented in this fashion to aid inretaining the neck 12 in a downward position towards the body. Thesevarious means for attachment may also be implemented to maintain theflap 42 or upper portion 38 in a desired position away from the opening14 of the neck 12.

Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C, the container cover 36 can be equipped withhandles, loops, and various hardware to make it easier to carry, wear,hang, or attach to other items. A preferred embodiment includes a firstcarrying element 58 comprising of a vertical strap attached to the cover36 and a second carrying element 60 consisting of an elastic loopattached towards the top of the upper portion 38 of the cover 36.Preferably, the stretchable second element 60 can act as a finger loopor can be wrapped over the mouthpiece flap 42 to hold the neck in adownward, sealed position.

The bottom portion 39 of the container cover 36 can be open to allowaccess to the container 2. Alternately, the container cover's base maypartially or substantially enclose the container and the container isaccessed through a side opening. The container cover base can be also bedesigned so that it can be opened or removed for container access.Zippered openings, hook and loop or snap flaps, stretch caps may be usedto create a container access feature that can be selectively opened orclosed.

A preferred embodiment of the container cover 36 may be secured to thecontainer with a base strap 62. As shown, the base strap 62 extendsacross at least a portion of the bottom surface 10 of the base 8 andprovide an insulating layer between the container and the environment.In a preferred arrangement, the base strap is attachable to the cover 36at a first attachment point 64 and second attachment point 66. The basestrap may be attachable with various securement means such as buttons,clasps, magnets, hooks, zippers, or stitching. Optionally, the basestrap may be integrally formed with the cover and cover at least aportion of the bottom surface 10 of the base 8 of the container. Ineither arrangement, it is desirable to configure the base strap to bestretchable to accommodate various sizes and configurations ofcontainers.

Referring to FIG. 7, an integrated zipper pocket 67 may be preferablyintegrated with the cover 36. Other forms of securing the opening of thepocket may also be used such as hook-and-loop systems, buttons, magnets,or other attachment means.

Referring to FIG. 8, a snap hook 68 may be affixed to a portion of acover 36 to facilitate holding, carrying, or container transport.Various hooks, snap hooks, rings, carabiners and other connectors can beintegrated into or connected to a cover 36 to allow the user to hang orattach the container to a peg, belt loop, or backpack or luggage loop.Attachment features can be included on the cover 36 allowing the usercan attach various handles and hooks of their own choosing.

Various forms of cover securement means may be utilized to secure thecontainer in place. For example, the present invention may utilize alower enclosure assembly similar to those utilized in United StatesPatent Application No. 20070017924 to Hundley, U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,890to Simko, French Application Publication No. 2723925 to Anne MarieMautin, which are all hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring to FIGS. 9A to 9C, an alternative screw port assembly 220 isshown. The assembly comprises a screw port 222 housed within thecontainer, a threaded collar 224 extending from the bottom of thecontainer, and a corresponding threaded screw cap 226. The threadedscrew cap 226 shown is rotatably attached to a base strap 228 with ascrew means 230 to enable the screw cap 226 to fully rotate about thethreaded collar 224 without substantial interference. A variety offixture systems may be utilized to effectuate the goal of enabling thescrew cap 226 to rotate about its center axis.

Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10B, an alternative configuration of anattachable mouthpiece system 300 is shown to use with the container 302.The attachable closure may include a mouthpiece 304, neck connector 306,and sealing element 308. The attachable mouthpiece system 300 mayfurther comprise of a sip flange element 310 that enables the mouthpiecesystem to fluidly mount to the neck 312 at a first opening 314. This sipflange element 310 may operate similar the sip flange described in FIG.4 of U.S. Application Publication No. 2008/0258382 to Yang, which ishereby incorporated by reference. The mouthpiece system 300 ispositioned at the top of the container cover 336 and preferably providesfor fluid dispensing and container sealing. The mouthpiece system wheninstalled is preferably coupled with the cover 336. The sealing elementmay be a cap, a portion of the cover 336, or flap that protects themouthpiece and can be engaged to seal the mouthpiece 304. The attachablemouthpiece system 300 can be removed for cleaning by the container user.

Referring to FIGS. 10C and 10D, when an attachable mouthpiece system 300is utilized, a means for securing the mouthpiece 304 and mouthpiecesealing element 308 in open and closed positions may be implementedsimilar systems previously described with respect to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C,4D, 4E, 5, 6A, and 6B.

Referring to FIG. 10E, the cover 336 of FIGS. 10A to 10D is shownremoved from the container 302. The cover 336 may have a second opening338 to permit the cover 336 to receive the container 302. The outersurface 340 of the container 302 or the outer surface 342 of the base344 may further include a means for mating the container 302 to thecover 336. In a preferred embodiment, one or more protruding nubs 346 aand 346 b may be utilized to mate with an arrangement of slots 348 tosecure the cover 336 in the correct position. This particular matingsystem of nubs 346 a and 346 b and slot arrangement 348 correctlysecures and aligns the container 302 and cover 336 vertically androtationally relative to each other. This arrangement ensures that neck350 is correctly mates with the mouthpiece flap 352 and ensures the flapachieves an optimal seal when closed.

Referring to FIG. 11, a container 360 is shown with a straight neck 362that is substantially perpendicular to the base 364. The straight neck360 in this embodiment is shown with a groove 366 that enables the neck362 to fold towards the container 360.

Referring to FIG. 12, the container 368 is shown having an internalstraw 370 (shown in dashed lines) with a first diameter 372 and a seconddiameter 374. The straw 370 permits the user to access the contents ofthe container through the opening 376 of the neck 378 without the needto tilt the container. The first diameter 372 of the internal straw ispreferably configured to align with any inside diameter of the neck 378so as to create a proper seal and thus enable a suitable suction. Thelower end of the straw 370 preferably terminates at the second diameter374 near the bottom of the container 368 and can be configured in anysuitable angle and dimensions to permit proper movement of thecontainer's contents.

Referring to FIG. 13, the container 380 may utilize a duckbill checkvalve 382 within the mouthpiece portion 384 of the neck 386 to permitthe contents of the container to exit through the distal end 388 of theneck; and to restrict unintended backwards flow of material, typicallyfluid. The duckbill check valve 382 is preferably configured to besecured within the mouthpiece portion 384 of the neck 386 so as toensure both optimal outgoing content flow and prevent unintendedbackwards flow into the container 380. In this embodiment, distal end388 of the mouthpiece portion 384 of the neck 386 preferably utilizes aslit to further enable the proper egress of the container's contents andrestrict the ingress of unintended material.

As shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, other neck configurations may beutilized in accordance with the present invention to facilitate thefolding of the container's neck.

Referring to FIG. 14, the container 390 utilizes a neck walls 392 and394 that are comprised of thicker material than that utilized for thefolding portion 396 of the neck 400. Incorporating thick neck walls 392and 394 below and above the folding portion 396 of the neck 400 in thismanner reduces the torque required to fold the neck 400 about thefolding portion 396. The container shown in FIG. 14 utilizes thickerneck walls 392 and 394 below and above the folding portion 396 of theneck 400, though it may be appreciated that thicker neck thick walls maybe implemented on one side of the folding portion 396.

Referring to FIG. 15, the container 402 may utilize first and secondinternal ribs 404 and 406 below and above the folding portion 408 of theneck 410 to facilitate folding the neck 410. The ribs 404 and 406 arepreferably arranged to circle the diameter of the neck 410. Similar tothe neck walls described with respect to FIG. 14, the ribs 404 and 406add mass at both sides of the folding portion 408 so as to reduce thetorque required to fold the neck 410. Though internal ribs 404 and 406are shown with respect to FIG. 15, it may appreciated that internaland/or external ribs can be molded below and/or above a folding portionin the neck to improve sealing of the container when the neck is in thefolded position.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the container 412 may optionally utilizea neck 414 with folding portion 416 having an internal oval or cat-eyeshape 418 within the cross section of the neck 414 about the foldingportion 416 to improve flattening of the neck 414 and improve the sealwhen the neck 414 is in a folded position.

Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the cover 420 for a container assemblymay utilize a flap 422 with an internal biasing element such as a wire424 (shown in dashed lines) integrated into flap 422. The wire 424flexibly biases the flap 422 to an open, drink-ready position at thediscretion of the user. Though FIGS. 17A and 17B show a wire 424 as abiasing means within the flap 422 of the cover 420, it may beappreciated that a plastic spring or other biasing mechanisms mayoptionally be implemented within the flap 422 of the cover 420 toachieve an upward rotation of the flap 422 when released by the user.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed, as noted above, many changes can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope ofthe invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferredembodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely byreference to the claims that follow.

1. A container comprising: a hollow, flexible body; a flexible neck atan upper portion of the body, the neck configured to fold in a downwardposition toward the body; a first opening at a distal end of the neck; aretainer for holding the neck in the downward position; and a base. 2.The container of claim 1, wherein the neck has a narrower cross-sectionthan a cross-section of the body.
 3. The container of claim 1, whereinthe container has a second opening at a lower end of the body, and abase that is removably receivable with the lower end of the body.
 4. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the neck is configured to be more pliablethan the body.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the neck furthercomprises a groove, wherein the groove is configured to reduce thetorque required to position the neck in a downward position.
 6. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the neck further comprises side wallsconfigured to be thinner than the body of the container.
 7. Thecontainer of claim 1, further comprising a mouthpiece mountable to thefirst opening of the neck.
 8. A cover for use with the container ofclaim 1, the cover comprising: a cover body receiving the body of thecontainer, wherein an upper portion of the cover body is configured tocover the first opening of the neck.
 9. The cover of claim 8, whereinthe cover is configured to retain the neck of the container in a foldedposition. The cover of claim 8, wherein the cover body further comprisesa bottom portion configured to cover at least a portion of the bottomsurface of the container, wherein the bottom portion of the cover bodyis removably receivable from the cover body.
 10. The cover of claim 8,wherein the cover body further comprises an attachment means forconnecting the cover to an object.
 11. The cover of claim 8, wherein theupper portion of the cover body further comprises a flap with a proximalend and distal end, the flap configured to connect to the cover body atthe proximal end and extend beyond the opening of the neck.
 12. Acontainer assembly, the container assembly comprising: a containercomprising: a hollow, flexible body; a flexible neck at one end of thebody, the neck configured to fold in a toward the body; a first openingat a distal end of the neck; a retainer for holding the neck in thefolded position; a base a cover coupled with the container, the covercomprising: a cover body receiving the body of the container, wherein aportion of the cover body is configured to cover the first opening ofthe neck.
 13. The container assembly of claim 12, further comprising aneck with a narrower cross section than the cross-section of the body.14. The container assembly of claim 12, wherein the container has asecond opening at the bottom surface, and a base that is removablyreceivable with the lower end.
 15. The container assembly of claim 12,wherein the neck is configured to be more pliable than the body.
 16. Thecontainer assembly of claim 12, further comprising a mouthpiecemountable to the first opening of the neck.
 17. The container assemblyof claim 12, wherein the cover is configured to retain the neck of thecontainer in a folded position.
 18. The container assembly of claim 12,wherein the cover body further comprises a bottom portion configured tocover at least a portion of the bottom surface of the container, thebottom portion being removably receivable from the cover body.
 19. Thecontainer assembly of claim 12, wherein the cover body further comprisesan attachment means for connecting the cover to an object.
 20. Acontainer comprising: a body means for holding material, the body havinga base; a flexible neck at an upper portion of the body, the neckconfigured to fold in a downward position toward the body; a means forpermitting the material to exit through a first opening at a distal endof the neck; a means for retaining the neck in the downward position.21. The container of claim 20, further comprising a means for reducingthe torque required to move the neck in a downward position.
 22. Thecontainer of claim 20, further comprising a means for controlling theexit of material through the distal end of the neck.
 23. A means forcovering the container of claim 20 comprising: a means for receiving thebody of the container; and a means for covering the first opening of theneck.
 24. The cover means of claim 23, further comprising a means forretaining the neck of the container in a folded position.
 25. The covermeans of claim 23, wherein the cover body further comprises anattachment means for connecting the cover to an object.